Consumer Behavior

Socially responsible Millennial consumers: Debunking the myth of the "It" generation

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Abstract

Social responsibility has rapidly gained popularity among consumers specifically among Millennials born 1980 to 2000. Millennials are characterized by their willingness to get involved with social and political initiatives and a high affinity for technology. Literature has examined psychological antecedents and demographic characteristics of socially responsible (SR) consumers. To date, no research has explored the commitment to an identity as an underlying factor in understanding Millennials decision to engage in routes of SR consumption behavior. The purpose of this study is to explore the socio-cognitive process Millennials engage in when making SR consumption decisions. Using Identity theory and Symbolic Self-Completion theory as a conceptual framework, this research aims to contribute to the body of literature pertaining to Millennials and social responsibility. Structural equation modeling revealed a positive relationship between SR identity commitment and SR private and public consumption behavior, which was completely mediated by SR personal identity salience.

How to Cite:

Johnson, O. & Chattaraman, V., (2017) “Socially responsible Millennial consumers: Debunking the myth of the "It" generation”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 74(1).